The use of prerecorded materials has become an important feature in modern art music. Within this compositional niche, prerecorded spoken text is often used. Spoken text may be used as a device to create a sense of narrative, or it may be used simply for its sound qualities in and of themselves via manipulatory techniques. These approaches are not exclusive and may be employed simultaneously. This study focuses on techniques for using prerecorded text within the space of modern art music composition. The second chapter of this study consists of brief examinations of various works by composers who use prerecorded text to shape the narratives of their respective works. It also highlights the varying degrees of manipulation of the prerecorded texts employed by each composer. The compositions examined include: Lee Hylas Howl, Steve Reichs Different Trains, Michel Daughertys Sing Sing: J. Edgar Hoover, Scott Johnsons Americans, and John Adamss On the Transmigration of Souls. The ultimate goal of this chapter is to serve as a literature review, which establishes a framework for the discussion of an original composition, Wars and Rumors of Wars. The final chapter of the document is a discussion of the original work, Wars and Rumors of Wars. Like the works previously mentioned, Wars and Rumors of Wars uses prerecorded text as a central portion of its musical materials. The manipulation of the text and musical materials within the work are directly influenced by its overarching narrative. This chapter of the study discusses in detail the interaction of text and musical materials within Wars and Rumors of Wars and demonstrates the close relationship between its narrative and manipulatory techniques.